FACTORING BINOMIALS

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FACTORINGBINOMIALS
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Factoring Binomials(4 Possibilities)

• GCF (Greatest Common Factor)
• Difference of Squares
• Sum or Difference of Cubes
• Prime (Not Factorable)

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If a GCF exists, simply factor it out.
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2nd PossibilityDIFFERENCE OF 2 SQUARESIf both
terms in the binomial are squares and they are
subtracted, a Simple Formula will give you the
answer.
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Example 1)
The Difference of Squares Formula is

Find a and b, then plug them into the formula.
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Examples of Diff. Of Squares
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Recognizing Monomial Squares
Numbers that are perfect squares are 1, 4, 9,
16, 25, 36 Variables that are perfect squares
are (Any even powered variable is a perfect
square) Monomials that are perfect squares are
2x2
Check this picture out. It shows why any even
powered Variable is a perfect square.
2x2
4x4
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Try These
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3nd PossibilitySUM or DIFFERENCE OF 2 CUBES If
both binomials are cubes and they are added
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If both binomials are cubes and they are
subtracted
To solve sum and difference of two cubes, simply
solve for a and b. Then plug into the correct
formula.
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1. Factor completely
a
b
a 3x b 5
2. Factor completely
GCF FIRST!
a x b 4
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4th and last possibility when trying to factor a
binomial
If the binomial does not have a GCF is not a
Diff. Of Squares , Diff. of Cubes, or Sum of
Cubes PRIME NOT FACTORABLE
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Examples of Prime Binomials
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Which binomials are Prime?